The Biggest Loser winner Bob Herdsman on life after shedding 87.6kg in 2009

The Biggest Loser winner Bob Herdsman, 67, has given his first interview in years, revealing how his life has changed since he lost a record-breaking 87.6kg in 2009.

Bob, who appeared on the first ‘couples’ series with his daughter-in-law Tiffany, told Daily Mail Australia he has worked hard to keep the weight off over the past decade.

While many previous contestants have struggled to maintain a healthy lifestyle post-filming, Bob has managed to stay slim – but admits it’s still a daily battle. 

Remember him? The Biggest Loser winner Bob Herdsman, 67, has given his first interview in years, revealing how his life has changed since he lost a record-breaking 87.6kg in 2009. Pictured left: at the start of filming in 2008, and right: when he was crowned winner in 2009

‘For those of us who have struggled long term with obesity, weight control will always be an issue. When you are obese you fight to overcome it every single day, and when you have lost it, you fight to maintain the loss,’ Bob said.

‘It’s the same fight but better to be at the other end. As for me, it will always be a struggle. I put it on and take it off in a never-ending cycle. There is no easy fix.’

When Bob began filming The Biggest Loser in 2008, he tipped the scales at 167.8kg. By the end of the series in April 2009, he weighed 80.2kg.

‘You fight everyday to maintain the loss’: Bob, who appeared on the first ‘couples’ series with his daughter-in-law Tiffany, told Daily Mail Australia he has worked hard to keep the weight off over the past decade. Pictured in 2019

It takes work! ‘For me, [weight] will always be a struggle. I put it on and take it off in a never-ending cycle. There is no easy fix,’ Bob said. Pictured in 2014 

It was a life-changing transformation for Bob – but things could have turned out differently if he hadn’t been so determined to succeed. 

‘Our first training session was at the beach on Fitzroy Island [29km south east of Cairns]. I collapsed from exhaustion and the medics felt that I should be taken out of the training. I knew that this was a pivotal moment for me,’ he said. 

‘To either lay there and the pain would be over, or to get up and never go down again. I decided to get up. That decision made all the difference.’

New man! When Bob started filming The Biggest Loser in 2008 (left), he tipped the scales at 167.8kg. By the end of the series in April 2009 (right), he weighed 80.2kg

Bob added that his philosophy during filming was inspired in part by a character from the Star Wars franchise.

‘Motivation is just the “reason” and it seldom lasts without action. On the show I used the Yoda mantra: “Do or do not; there is no ‘try’.”

‘This still stands true today. Just commit to action, as that alone will bring results. Results are motivating.’

After walking away with the $200,000 prize money, Bob became a personal trainer and helped others with their weight loss journeys.  

‘Following the show, I studied and became a personal trainer and also contracted to an American Fitness Equipment Company for promotional work,’ he said.

‘I continued the personal training until my wife and I decided that we wanted to travel with our caravan around Australia.’ 

‘I collapsed from exhaustion’: Bob almost quit The Biggest Loser before his journey had even begun. During his first training session (pictured), he collapsed and nearly threw in the towel

Transformation: After walking away with the $200,000 prize, Bob became a personal trainer and helped others with their weight loss journeys. Pictured left: in 2008, and right: in 2009

These days, as he enjoys a quieter life with his wife, Janet, Bob has a more relaxed approach to his own health and fitness – but is still very active.

‘I believe it is important to take good care of your health, and fitness is a part of that. Exercise doesn’t need to be extreme to maintain fitness, unless you are an athlete. Keep moving, keep active and have a good attitude,’ he concluded.

‘The best diet is the one that works for you. I believe that it is best to choose an eating plan that is well balanced in natural, whole foods but that reduces calorie intake below energy output to enable weight loss. Keep it simple and keep it healthy.’

Family: Bob has since given up personal training to travel around Australia with his wife, Janet. The couple are pictured at a family party in June 2019

‘Exercise doesn’t need to be extreme’: These days, Bob has a more relaxed approach to his own health and fitness, but is still very active and hopes to inspire others. Pictured in 2009

Meanwhile, Bob’s daughter-in-law Tiffany, who placed second on his season of The Biggest Loser, has continued her own transformation. 

‘Tiffany lost 54.1kg, or 47.6 per cent of her starting body weight. No one in Biggest Loser history has ever lost a higher percentage that Tiffany. I think that we both achieved something that we can be personally proud of,’ he said. 

Follow Bob’s adventures and advice on his public Facebook page

Family: Bob’s daughter-in-law Tiffany, who placed second on his season of The Biggest Loser, has continued her own transformation. Pictured: Tiffany at the start of filming in 2008

Stunning: ‘Tiffany lost 54.1kg, or 47.6 per cent of her starting body weight. No one in Biggest Loser history has ever lost a higher percentage that Tiffany. I think that we both achieved something that we can be personally proud of,’ Bob said. Pictured together in 2011